Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE

Diamond certified company PROFILE

Jonathan Lipschutz, M.S., F-AAA

Berkeley Hearing Center provides a wide range of hearing health care services for all types of patients. In addition to performing comprehensive hearing evaluations and fitting patients with the most advanced products available to meet their specific needs, the practice offers numerous services that are designed to help people acclimate to their new hearing aids and assistive devices, including communication counseling and audiological rehabilitation. Parking is available in the practice’s own free lot in front of its building.

Owner Jonathan Lipschutz, M.S., F-AAA says Berkeley Hearing Center’s patient-centered approach to hearing health care has been the most important aspect of its success. “Our commitment to putting our patients’ needs first, coupled with our excellent communication skills, allows us to determine each patient’s specific issues and customize our care in order to solve them.”

Berkeley Hearing Center has the in-house capabilities to repair most makes and models of hearing devices, and it can coordinate with manufacturers’ laboratories if more extensive services are required. “We have decades of experience working with hearing aids, so we know what it takes to make sure they’re performing optimally for our patients,” says Mr. Lipschutz.

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON Berkeley Hearing Center

A look at Berkeley Hearing Center’s facility on Channing Way

Company Profile

Berkeley Hearing Center provides a wide range of hearing health care services for all types of patients. In addition to performing comprehensive hearing evaluations and fitting patients with the most advanced products available to meet their specific needs, the practice offers numerous services that are designed to help people acclimate to their new hearing aids and assistive devices, including communication counseling and audiological rehabilitation. Parking is available in the practice’s own free lot in front of its building.

Owner Jonathan Lipschutz, M.S., F-AAA says Berkeley Hearing Center’s patient-centered approach to hearing health care has been the most important aspect of its success. “Our commitment to putting our patients’ needs first, coupled with our excellent communication skills, allows us to determine each patient’s specific issues and customize our care in order to solve them.”

Berkeley Hearing Center has the in-house capabilities to repair most makes and models of hearing devices, and it can coordinate with manufacturers’ laboratories if more extensive services are required. “We have decades of experience working with hearing aids, so we know what it takes to make sure they’re performing optimally for our patients,” says Mr. Lipschutz.

Company Philosophy

“We treat our patients as we would want to be treated: respectfully, honestly and with their best interests at heart. Our goal is to make sure their communication abilities are the best they can be, and we’re able to accomplish that by providing each patient with expert, individualized care and the most advanced technology on the market.”

Comparative Summary

Maintaining patient satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any hearing health care practice, but it’s even more important for those that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Berkeley Hearing Center, the key to achieving and maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction is simple: follow the Golden Rule. “Our focus is always on addressing the unique hearing and communication needs of our patients in a compassionate and professional manner,” says owner Jonathan Lipschutz, M.S., F-AAA. “We care about our patients. We treat them like our family or friends, so we always provide them with expert, personalized care that takes their needs and abilities into account. We utilize our clinical and industry expertise, along with state-of-the-art products and equipment, to give our patients the best hearing health care at reasonable prices.”

Berkeley Hearing Center has been providing quality hearing health care services for all types of patients at its Berkeley office since 1985. The practice offers everything from comprehensive hearing evaluations to custom hearing aid fittings. It can also repair most hearing aids in-house, and it works directly with all major hearing aid manufacturers in case further attention is needed.

Mr. Lipschutz says Berkeley Hearing Center’s emphasis on patient education is one of the practice’s most distinguishing characteristics. “We think of ourselves as our patients’ advocates. Knowledge is power when it comes to anything, and hearing loss and hearing aids are no exception. So, we focus on educating our patients and their families about hearing loss, hearing aids, and communication strategies to make sure they’re doing all the things that are necessary to improve the way they’re able to communicate and function. From counseling sessions to audiologic rehabilitation, we offer services that are designed to help our patients acclimate to their hearing aids and adjust to a hearing-impaired lifestyle.”

Another unique feature of the Berkeley Hearing Center is the fact that its two audiologists, Jonathan Lipschutz and Janelle Spear, have considerable experience working for hearing aid manufacturers. “This benefits our patients in unique ways,” says Mr. Lipschutz. “We have outstanding clinical training and skills, but we also have manufacturing expertise that most audiologists don’t have. We have in-depth knowledge from the manufacturing side. Together with our clinical expertise, this translates to more comfortable fits and better overall results. This is true whether it’s hearing aids, ear molds or custom hearing protection. We are very good at what we do, and we really care about our patients and the results they get. Properly fit hearing aids can cost a significant amount of money, so we make sure our patients get their money’s worth.”

Industry Info

New hearing aid advancements mean better hearing in all situations, even noisy environments and entertainment venues. In the past, hearing aids amplified sounds to try and help users participate in normal daily activities. However, the myriad environments people found themselves in left users (and their loved ones) frustrated because the devices weren’t up to the challenge. Luckily, technological advancements make it much easier for hearing aid wearers to participate more effectively and fully in most (if not all) environments.

“Unfortunately, a lot of people think hearing aids still amplify all sounds the same way, from background noise to voices, but that’s not the case anymore,” says Jonathan Lipschutz, audiologist/owner of Berkeley Hearing Center in Berkeley. “Even the hearing aids of 10 or 15 years ago weren’t really up to the challenge of helping people hear better in noisy environments. Today’s hearing aids and assistive devices are significantly better in that regard.”

The latest advancements in hearing aids now allow patients to utilize wireless communication strategies such as Bluetooth to directly tie in their hearing aids with cell phones (especially iPhones), laptop computers, MP3 players, landline phones and other hearing assistance devices. According to Mr. Lipschutz, this is a game changer in the industry. “Any time we can directly input a desired signal to the circuit, the resulting intelligibility will be much better,” he explains. “For example, family/friends can wear Bluetooth microphones that transmit their voices directly to the hearing aids for better sound intelligibility in noisy environments. These Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) enable users to hear better in restaurants, movie theaters, plays or houses of worship because the desired audio signal is going wirelessly to their hearing aids.”

Another wireless assistive technology utilizes magnetic induction to directly connect to a component of certain hearing aids called a telecoil (also known as “t-coil”). It’s a small, copper coiled wire found inside compliant hearing aids. This tiny wire allows the hearing aids to be used with compatible assistive-listening technologies, which deliver the sound directly to the hearing aids using magnetic induction. This reduces ambient noise relative to the desired signal, therefore creating a cleaner sound. The hearing aid user hears more of what they want to hear and less of the distracting background noise.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires many areas of public assembly (cinemas, theatres, houses of worship, etc.) to have available assistive listening technologies for the hearing impaired. “The t-coil is an older technology that’s seeing resurgence due to its robust signal, compatibility with most models of hearing aids and the fact that no extra equipment is required by the user,” says Mr. Lipschutz. “Nowadays, users who have hearing aids equipped with a t-coil can get a signal directly through their hearing aids at many venues.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much do new hearing aids cost?

A: There’s a tremendous amount of variability in the price of hearing aids relative to style and level of technology, so it’s difficult to make a generalization. Once we look at the results of your hearing test and consult with you, we’ll be able to determine which type of hearing aids are most appropriate to fit your level of hearing loss, style and budget.

Q: How soon can you see me?

A: When you call to set up an appointment, we’ll find a time that works for your schedule and ours, typically within one or two weeks. However, if you have serious or acute hearing health care issues (sudden hearing loss) and need to get in quickly, we can accommodate that within 24 to 48 hours, sometimes even that day.

Q: Do I need to make an appointment or can you answer my questions over the phone?

A: We are happy to answer whatever questions we can over the phone, but we may encourage you to make an appointment so we can address your needs in the appropriate timeframe. For existing patients, depending on the issue/problem, we can often help them over the phone or by email. This is helpful for people who are very busy or have trouble getting to our office.

Q: Will you accept my insurance?

A: If you provide us with the appropriate information, we can call your insurance carrier and find out what they cover. We can also give you our provider ID number so you can contact them directly and find out if we’re a covered provider. It’s important to note, though, that hearing aid benefits are often the same for in/out-of-network providers.

Q: Can you repair my hearing aid?

A: We can do a lot of repairs in-house, often in less than five minutes, so please call us any time you’re experiencing hearing aid problems. For those devices that need more attention, we can provide a very quick turnaround time, so you won’t have to be without your hearing aid(s) for too long.

Q: How much do musicians’ plugs cost?

A: Musicians’ plugs are $185 for the molds/filters, and there is a $45 impression fee. Our musicians’ plugs are guaranteed for fit—we offer a 90-day remake warranty, and we’ll remake them as many times as necessary until they fit correctly. It usually takes two or three weeks to get them after we place your order, though this timeframe can be expedited (at an extra cost). We also carry the non-custom ETY High Fidelity Earplugs.

Q: Is there public transit near your office?

A: The downtown Berkeley BART station is literally within feet of our office, as is the major downtown AC transit hub. We also offer parking validation for the Center Street Garage and Allston Way Garage.

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

Jonathan Lipschutz is a 22-year veteran of the audiology field and owner of Berkeley Hearing Center, a Diamond Certified company since 2014. He can be reached at (510) 398-0699 or by email.

Jonathan Lipschutz: Patient-Centered

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter

BERKELEY — As a young paramedic, Jonathan Lipschutz knew he wanted to move up in the medical field, but he wasn’t sure which direction he should go. It wasn’t until a chance interaction with someone from his past that he discovered his intended path. “Soon after I started working as a paramedic, I realized there wasn’t a lot of room for professional growth, so I began to contemplate my options,” he recounts. “One day at work, I ran into my old baseball coach, who was an audiology professor at Purdue University. He suggested I come by his office and talk to him about audiology, which I did later on that week. After learning a bit about the field and how dramatically it could improve people’s lives, I knew it was a perfect fit.”

Today, as owner of Berkeley Hearing Center, Jonathan says he finds his job rewarding on numerous levels. “In addition to being a music lover, I’m a big believer in the idea that communication is the key to resolving conflict. As an audiologist, I have the opportunity to help people reconnect with the world, both in terms of communicating with others and enjoying auditory sensations like music.”

A resident of Berkeley (where he lives with his wife, Anna, and their daughter, Tessa), Jonathan expresses his love for the Bay Area. “The first time I visited the Bay Area back in the mid-1980s, I knew it was where I wanted to live,” he remembers. “I love the diversity, weather, food, culture, geography and activities. It’s just a fantastic place.”

Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys taking advantage of the many recreational opportunities available in the Bay Area. “I’m a big music fan, so I like going to see live music at venues like the Fillmore in San Francisco and The Fox Theater in Oakland,” he says. “Additionally, I’m an avid snowboarder, hiker and poker player. I also love to cook, and I’m known among my friends and family for my sushi skills.”

In regard to a professional philosophy, Jonathan says he takes a patient-centered approach to his career. “I’m all about my patients, and as their hearing health care advocate, I strive to provide them with the best care and resources available. This also means being straightforward with them and making sure they get the appropriate treatment for their particular needs.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Jonathan says he’d do some extensive traveling. “I’d like to travel the world and experience different cultures. I’d also probably go on some big snowboarding excursions and try to find some untracked powder.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Have you ever read a book more than once?
A: I’ve read “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy many times over the years.

Q: Do you have a favorite band or musician?
A: I enjoy a wide range of music, so it’s hard to say. I’m a big fan of jam bands like the Grateful Dead and Phish, but I’d have to say my all-time favorite album is “Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis.

Q: If you could immediately master a musical instrument, what would you choose?
A: The tenor saxophone.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I’d like to go to Southeast Asia to see countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Papua New Guinea and do some world class diving.

Q: Would you ever skydive?
A: I totally would, but I don’t think my wife would like that.

Expert articles

The Importance of Preventative Hearing Loss Treatment

by Jonathan Lipschutz, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

BERKELEY — At least 28 million adults in the United States suffer from hearing loss, a condition that impacts communication and functional ability, which often leads to cognitive decline, depression and an overall decrease in quality of life. However, despite its prevalence, hearing loss is both under-recognized and under-treated. While this is partly due to the gradual nature of its progression, another reason is that its significance as a condition tends to be marginalized.

There exists a prevalent yet erroneous belief that hearing loss is a normal part of aging and isn’t readily treatable. This may account for the fact that, despite the well-documented benefits associated with hearing aid use, only 20 to 25 percent of people who could benefit from hearing aids actually get them. Furthermore, of those who do get hearing aids, as much as 30 percent end up not using them.

The reality is, when properly applied, hearing aids can greatly improve communication and cognitive function for individuals with hearing loss. Because of the condition’s progressive nature, it’s critical to implement the use of hearing aids as early as possible. The earlier the treatment, the more hearing function can be preserved.

Expert video tip

Video: Proactive Hearing Loss Treatment

Complete Video Transcription:

BERKELEY — Host, Sarah Rutan: While many people ignore the symptoms of hearing loss, addressing it proactively can greatly increase the effectiveness of treatment. Today, we’re in Berkeley with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Jonathan Lipschutz of Berkeley Hearing Center, to learn more.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Jonathan Lipschutz: At least 28 million adults in the US have hearing loss. Hearing loss impacts communication and functional ability and is strongly associated with decreased quality of life, cognitive decline, and depression. Despite its prevalence, hearing loss is both under recognized and under-treated. Typically, this is because of its slow, insidious progression or because of the erroneous belief that hearing loss is a normal part of aging and is not readily treatable.

Despite the many well-documented benefits associated with hearing aid fitting and use, only 20-25% of people who could benefit from hearing aids actually get them. And, of those, as much as 30% end up not using their hearing aids at all. Effective intervention can improve social and emotional function, communication, cognitive function and depression for individuals with hearing loss. It’s critical to begin this intervention, the use of hearing aids, and assistive devices as early as possible.

COMPANY CONTACT

Berkeley Hearing Center

Diamond Certified RATINGS ON Berkeley Hearing Center

Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise

Berkeley Hearing Center

200 SURVEYS

RATING

5 CONSECUTIVE YEARS SINCEDecember 2014CERT2221

DIAMOND CERTIFIED PERFORMANCE GUARANTEED

Diamond certified ratings dashboard

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
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Customer LOYALTY
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Helpful Expertise
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Each surveyed customer was asked, “If you needed any helpful expertise, did this company provide that expertise?” To calculate this score, total “Yes” responses were divided by total responses (excluding those that stated they hadn’t needed any expertise).

Company Credentials
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Workers Compensation

Liability Insurance

License Verification

Business Practices

Current Complaint File

Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 200 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS
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Berkeley Hearing Center:
Average 9.3 out of 10 based on 200 unique customer surveys of customer satisfaction.

Patricia C.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

1
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are excellent people and know their job.

They are very friendly and cheerful people. They make you feel welcome. I wouldn't want to go anywhere else but to them. They know their job and do their best to please us.

Jerome F.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

2
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I am very satisfied. I like Berkeley Hearing Center. It's a small operation which is very good because you get personal care. It is a very warm setting.

The professionalism plus the warmth, it is professional but you don't feel like you're a number. You are treated like a human being.

Geri M.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

3
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

If a person has a hearing problem, I would suggest they go there.

The service I receive from Janelle

Ellen B.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

4
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

It is a good place to go.

The helpfulness of Jonathan and the equipment they sell

Margery B.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

5
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They take a lot of time with you, and they answer all of your questions.

I got what I needed, and it was very easy to deal with them.

Carol B.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

6
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

That I was satisfied, it is a good place to go if they are looking for a place.

Number one would be the people and number two would be the location

Bianca C.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

7
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are always on time, and the hearing aids I got are the best. He explains things. I live in Daly City, but I go to Berkeley just for them. I didn't want to change.

Jonathan explains and tells me what is good for me. He checks the hearing aids very carefully and adjusts them if necessary. He is very good. I would actually say he is excellent.

David C.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

8
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I think they are good people.

I just like the connection I felt with Jonathan.

Doris F.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

9
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I would recommend them.

I was fitted with an appropriate set of hearing aids. I enjoy them, and they work.

Joseph M.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

10
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I really liked Jonathan Lipschutz who runs the place. He gives me better service than the lady who used to run it. He is just very friendly.

It is actually a pretty convenient location, as it is close to my gym and work. It fits my situation just right. I am very happy with the hearing aids and the service.

Liliana M.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

11
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

The guy was fantastic. He was friendly, professional, and smart.

They are close, and they have good hours. They are easy to find.

Maryanne M.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

12
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are very helpful, they have a lot of knowledge about hearing problems, and I was very happy with them. I would recommend them to a friend and I have already.

They are very good.

John M.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

13
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I have already told some friends about them.

They are friendly, and they are informative. They take time to answer questions and to raise the possibility of questions that I haven't thought of.

Paul P.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

14
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

First of all, the person in charge is very capable and a very pleasant human being.

I got a very good product.

Philip S.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

15
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I would highly recommend them.

I think Jonathan Lipschutz is very experienced and compassionate. He is also very competent and you can take things home and try them out without any pressure.

Graydon S.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

16
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

It was professional.

The personalities of the doctors

Robert V.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

17
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They had a great bedside manner, and they explained every step of the procedure, so that I could understand it.

As soon as I got there, they expedited the procedure and got me in without delay.

Valerie W.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

18
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are knowledgeable, helpful, and not judgmental. They repeat things if you need them to. I would recommend them.

Getting educated about ears and how they work, I witnessed their very gentle approach with older people, and I appreciated that. They give you as much time as you need.

Stephen B.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

19
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Well, they do a good job, pretty much. I don't know much about what they do and the technical aspects, but I can say they are good, and I'm happy with them.

They are very kind and caring. They looked out for my best interest.

John B.

VERIFIED Berkeley Hearing Center CUSTOMER

20
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They take care of their people and make sure everything is taken care of for you on the insurance side. They are just an overall great place.